Independent Study (I.S.) is an exciting and challenging prospect in Religious Studies.
We take your ideas and interests in the study of religions seriously, and work closely
with you through Junior and Senior I.S. to develop, implement, and complete research
projects appropriate to your interests and to the field of Religious Studies.

Junior I.S. (normally completed in the Spring Semester of the junior year) includes
a combination of seminar course work with other Religious Studies juniors and individual
work with a faculty member in the department. Through these two approaches, you will
develop an understanding of how to conduct research and writing in Religious Studies,
and will complete a 20-25 page research paper of your own. The Junior I.S. experience
will provide the foundation and preparation for the more in-depth and individualized
work of Senior I.S.

Senior year you will work for two semesters on a larger I.S. research project -- either
a continuation of I.S. work performed junior year, or an entirely new project culminating
in a paper of about 60 pages. This is the capstone experience for our majors. Guided
by your adviser, and according to the I.S. Handbook (.pdf), you will conduct in-depth research, analyze diverse data, and learn how to
make an original contribution to knowledge about religion.

I.S. in Religious Studies sharpens your ability to think creatively, critically, and
empathetically, and teaches you how to express those thoughts clearly, in the form
that scholars and professionals in the field use.